4pm - The Mayor of Derby will open the event by switching on the Christmas Tree lights

Walkabout Christmas Characters

Come and meet Christmas Characters that will be visiting the Craft Village throughout December, including Father Christmas.

Christmas Fairground rides

Throughout December there will be Children’s fairground rides located within Markeaton Craft Village on the following dates and times:

Saturday 3 December 2016 at 11am - 5pm

Sunday 4 December 2016 at 11am - 5pm

Saturday 10 December 2016 at 11am - 5pm

Sunday 11 December 2016 at 11am - 5pm

Saturday 17 December 2016 at 11am - 5pm

Sunday 18 December 2016 at 11am - 5pm

Wednesday 21 December – Friday 23 December at 11am - 5pm

Saturday 24 December 2016 at 11am - 3pm

Love locks

Lock in your Christmas wish to your loved one. Bring your own padlock, make a wish and lock it around our Christmas Tree.

Paint a Pot

Looking for a unique present? Make your own Christmas bauble or print your babies hand or foot print on a special keepsake.

Original Monkey

Personalise a unique wooden tree decoration. Hang on our Markeaton Christmas tree, or take home for a gift.

Studio in the Park (Craft Village)

Studio in the Park will be stocking a range of Christmas decorations and will be holding their Annual Christmas Shopping Nights prior to December.

There will also be a wide range of Christmas inspired Craft sessions throughout November and December. These will include wreath making, decorative painted Christmas Trees, painted paper stars, glass framed and rustic painted signs.

Sew'n'Jo at the Craft Village

Sew ‘n’ Jo Will be running a workshop event giving people the opportunity to make an old fashioned Christmas decorations, using an old hand cranked sewing machine. Suitable for adults and children over 8yrs.

The activity will be on a drop in basis first come first served, and will take around 15-20 minutes.

Festive face painting

Join us at The Bix Craft Unit.

Christmas songs

We invite all visitors to sing around our tree. Christmas song sheets will be available everyday for you, your family and friends to sing.

Festive train rides

Take a trip around the park on the Festive Express land train.

Famous Trains

Famous Trains will be open between 11am and 4pm on the following days in December:

Saturday 3 - Monday 5 December

Saturday 10 - Monday 12 December

Saturday 17 - Tuesday 20 December

Monday 26 December

Famous Trains have a special "Santa" event on Saturday 17 - Tuesday 20 December with Santa visiting on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December. Located near the Markeaton roundabout Car Park entrance.

The Orangery Café

Stop off for a refreshment break at The Orangery, overlooking Markeaton Park's formal gardens. A range of food and drink is available including mince pie flavoured ice cream.

Events:

The Friends of Markeaton Park Christmas Craft Fair

The Craft Fair is taking place on Sunday 4 December 2016.

The event is FREE to attend, with lots of stalls, providing an opportunity to buy cards, gifts, decorations, and much more.

Derby Hospitals Jingle Jog

The Jingle Jog (Sun 4 Dec at 9.30am) takes you on a 5km (3.1 miles) route around the picturesque Markeaton Park, with an alternative 1/2 mile run for under 10’s.

The fun run is for everyone, adults, children and dogs alike. You don’t have to run, you can walk, jog or run – it’s up to you!

As this event was so popular last year with over 600 Santa’s we are advising people to sign up early to avoid disappointment.

Parkrun

Every Sat, 9am to 10am. FREE event, just turn up and run! Meet at the Orangery steps.

Festive Junior park run

The festive Junior parkrun will take place on Sunday 11 December and Sunday 18 December.

Come dressed in Festive Fancy Dress throughout December and join in the fun!

Midshipmen Brass Band

Sat 17 Dec, 2pm around the Christmas Tree. Come along and listen to modern and festive music played by the Derby Midshipmen Band.

Friends of Markeaton Park Wreath making

The wreath making workshops are taking place on 18th and 20th December in Markeaton Park Craft Village Community Room at 11am until 2pm. The session costs £15.

To book your place in advance please call Dawn on 01332 361491.

Families recommends that you always check details of the event with the organiser.